Topsoil is one of those things people overthink and underthink at the same time.
Some grab the cheapest bag at the garden centre...
Others spend a fortune on big brand names assuming bigger = better...
Both can end badly.
Here's what I actually look for, in order of importance:
1. How well has it been screened?
Screening removes the stones. Anything under 10mm is good. The lower the number, the finer the soil.
Buy unscreened topsoil and you'll spend half your time picking pebbles out of your lawn. You're also paying by weight, so a chunk of what you bought is literally rocks.
2. Has it been stored properly?
Cheaper topsoil often sits outside for months. Rain soaks it. Weed seeds blow into it.
If the bag feels heavy and waterlogged, leave it. Or take it home and dry it out in a shed or greenhouse before applying.
3. What's the organic matter content?
A common mix is 70/30 topsoil which is 70% sand, 30% organic matter (by weight, so it looks more balanced than it sounds).
Supermarkets won't tell you this. A local soil merchant will. They supply sports pitches and golf courses for a living, so they know their mixes inside out.
My honest take:
Avoid the big names and Find a local soil merchant. Nine times out of ten the quality is better, the price is lower, and they actually know what's in the bag.
As promised, lawn tips in under a minute.
Liam
Founder, Great British Lawn Co.
